On show this spring is a selection of works from the museum’s own collection curated by Malcolm Warner, Executive Director. The collection consists of over 3,500 works, with significant examples from all periods of California art from the early nineteenth century to the present day. It is some time since the highlights have all been displayed together in the main-level galleries. Among the most familiar images are paintings by members of the artists’ colony that flourished in Laguna Beach in the early years of the twentieth century, notably The Old Post Office by Joseph Kleitsch; The Golden Hour, Laguna Beach by Frank Cuprien; Spring in the Canyon by William Wendt; and Laguna Beach by Clarence Hinkle. On display will be the earliest known oil painting to be created in California: San Gabriel Mission by Ferdinand Deppe (c. 1832). Later developments are represented by outstanding paintings, sculptures, and prints by Francis de Erdely, Hans Burkhardt, John McLaughlin, Lorser Feitelson, Richard Diebenkorn, John Altoon, Billy Al Bengston, Craig Kauffman, DeWain Valentine, John McCracken, Roger Kuntz, Ed Kienholz, Ed Ruscha, and Llyn Foulkes. The display features some privately-owned masterpieces of California art that appear as “special guests” among the museum’s own holdings. It also includes the recently acquired Pound Box – A Tableau by George Herms and the recently restored O’er Waiting Harp Strings by Donna Schuster. . “I’m still relatively new to the museum, and taking the lead in selecting this show is a wonderful way for me to get to know the collection. Hopefully I can bring a fresh eye to the process and bring out some unexpected gems as well as the familiar favorites.” ~ Dr. Malcolm Warner . This exhibition is generously supported by the Edward H. and Yvonne J. Boseker Fund for Early California Art; the Jean Gaulin Foundation; Curtis Mathewson and Julie Padach-Mathewson; and Karen McCulley. . Media sponsor: .

“[Executive Director] Warner is an experienced curator, and he has presented a fresh version of a familiar collection.” − Richard Chang, The Orange County Register